On Monday, we be a part of all Individuals to honor these courageous women and men from our army who gave their lives to make sure freedom – and we additionally mirror the lifetime of our son, Captain Omer impartial.
Omer raised by Lengthy Island was a candy, mild soul that made folks really feel concerned and care. He was the patron, the captain of his basketball staff within the Excessive College at Solomon Schechter Day College, who’s rooted for Knicks.
When he was accepted into Suny Binghamton, Omer appears to have had a snug American life in entrance of him. As a substitute, on the age of 19, he postponed faculty and joined as a soldier within the Israeli protection forces.
Omer needed to serve, to guard, to face as a guardian towards those that would harm the harmless.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists started their brutal assault, killing over 1,200 harmless folks and abducting 251 others. The useless included 45 US residents; 12 Individuals have been taken hostage.
Omer was one of many hundreds of first responses who rushed to the hazard of defending civilians. He confirmed selfless valor and braveness.
Wednesday marks 600 days of this horrific assault – an unthinkable quantity. For 421 of today, We believed Omer was aliveheld captive by Hamas.
In December we I learned the devastating truth: Our son was killed on October seventh whereas defending Harmless Lives.
His physique stays held by terrorists who view human dignity as negotiable.
The fact of our son’s loss hit us in waves – first, the shock of studying, he’s gone; Then the surreal try and see his sufferer acknowledged publicly.
When seen Nassau County By bearing the identify of our son, that is past understanding.
Nonetheless, it’s acceptable that its identify marks a spot the place our area people is consistently gathering since October 7 to battle for the return of all hostages.
On the day the dying of Omer was introduced, the flags of all state buildings have been lowered to half employees.
At that second, we felt the burden of how our nation was affecting, the way it acknowledges those that serve and pay the ultimate worth – not just for their nation, but additionally for the explanation for the liberty itself, wherever this battle is fought.
Freedom requires peculiar folks to make an distinctive selection. This requires some to offer their lives in order that others can stay in freedom.
The American folks perceive the holy precept “Don’t depart anybody behind them” – an engagement that defines army service and binds the troopers collectively in an unbreakable settlement.
Two weeks in the past we now have witnessed Joyful release of Edan AlexanderOne other American-Israeli soldier who, like Omer, went to Israel to serve.
Edan’s household lives in New Jersey, and our sons have shared a lot in frequent. Each have been in the identical publish on October seventh and we realized within the background that they knew one another.
Throughout these 20 months, we, Alexander and all of the hostage households have agreed in grief, hope and dedication. We’re relieved that Edan is returning and praying to return to the discharge of all different hostages.
President Trump assured us that he was engaged for this objective – and his management introduced unprecedented progress. There’s a rising consciousness that till it occurs, there might be no actual therapeutic within the Center East.
A deal to launch all hostages should be signed and this struggle should be accomplished.
The terrorists who’ve taken away our son’s life and proceed to carry his physique, together with the opposite 57 hostages, symbolize the antithesis of every thing we honor on the day of reminiscence.
They’re aimed toward civilians, have a good time dying and use human beings as chip negotiations.
They search to destroy the freedoms themselves that the US and Israeli members of the service have died to guard.
On the day of reminiscence, we do not forget that the wrestle for freedom takes many types and crosses many boundaries.
Many Individuals, like our slop, function guardians towards terror in numerous lands, however for a similar noble objective: defending harmless and preserving freedom.
The values we have a good time on Monday – sufferer, service and unwavering dedication to freedom – stay within the hearts of all who resolve to face towards evil, which rush to hazard when others flee and perceive that some issues are price greater than life itself.
As we honor the fallen characters of America, we additionally honor our son Omer and everybody who has given their lives in protection of freedom.
Their sacrifice requires by no means to neglect, by no means to give up to those that would destroy freedom and by no means cease combating for the return of those that are nonetheless at nighttime.
Ronen and Ornai impartial are the mother and father of Captain Omer Nitra.
